Pitched Roofs
Storm Damage to Your Roof? What to Check and Do Next
After a storm, check safely from the ground for missing tiles, debris in the garden or gutters, and displaced chimney flashing, and check inside for new ceiling staining. Active water ingress needs urgent attention; a handful of slipped tiles with no leak can typically wait for a scheduled repair.
Merseyside sits directly in the path of Atlantic weather systems, and storm damage to roofs is a genuinely regular occurrence here. Knowing what to check safely, and how to tell whether it’s a quick repair or something more significant, makes a real difference.
Never go up on your roof yourself after a storm, especially in continuing wind or wet conditions. Everything below is checkable from ground level or inside the property.
What to check from the ground
Look for visible gaps or missing tiles. Walk around the property and look up at the roof from a distance.
Check for debris in the garden or on the ground. Slates or tile fragments on the ground are a clear sign something has come off the roof.
Look at gutters and downpipes. Storm damage often dislodges debris into guttering.
Check chimneys, if visible. Chimney stacks take significant wind loading — look for obviously shifted pots or displaced flashing.
What to check inside the property
Loft space, if you have access. Look for daylight coming through where it shouldn’t, new damp patches, or debris.
Ceilings, particularly top-floor rooms. New staining, damp patches, or a musty smell can indicate water has found a way in.
Emergency vs. can wait
⚠ Needs urgent attention
- Active water ingress into the property
- Visibly large areas of missing covering
- Anything that looks structurally unsafe
✓ Can typically wait for a scheduled visit
- A handful of slipped tiles, no sign of leak
- Minor debris in gutters
- Cosmetic damage with no evidence of a leak
Insurance claims
Storm damage is one of the more straightforward categories for a buildings insurance claim, since it’s sudden damage from an identifiable event. Photograph everything you can see safely, note the date of the storm, and contact your insurer promptly. See our full guide on roof insurance claims.
Getting it repaired properly
After a storm, there’s often a surge in cold-calling from operators looking to capitalise on urgency — see our guide on roofer red flags. We’ll assess the damage properly and provide a written quote, without pressure.
Had storm damage?
We offer free surveys across Merseyside. We go up, take photos, show you what we find and give you an honest recommendation. No pressure, no obligation.